Renton Small Business Development Center Opens Its Doors

WHAT:
Leaders from the public and private sector partners developing the Renton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will gather for a ribbon cutting and opening event of this valuable new community resource.

The Renton SBDC is being established through a partnership among Renton Technical College (RTC), the Renton Chamber of Commerce, the City of Renton, and additional direct support from First Savings Bank and Frontier Bank. Business advisor services will be provided through a contract with the well-established SBDC at Highline Community College. The Renton SBDC will help strengthen Renton's economic vitality by providing one-on-one confidential assistance to individuals, small businesses, and other entrepreneurs at no charge. Programs will provide practical, real-life solutions and will be taught by experienced business people. SBDC advising services will be available at RTC or by appointment downtown in "Old City Hall" -- 200 Mill Avenue South, Suite 100; the downtown location is being provided through a partnership with WSU Extension.

The Renton SBDC will provide critical support to small business during a period in which small businesses are driving the nation's economic growth. On a national scale, the 25 million small businesses across the country employ more than half of the nation's private workforce, generate more than half of the country's Gross Domestic Product, and are the principal source of new jobs in the US economy.

WHO:
Renton Mayor Kathy Keolker
Members of the Renton City Council
Renton Technical College President Don Bressler
Renton Chamber President and CEO Bill Taylor
State Senate Ways & Means Chair Margarita Prentice (11th District, Renton)
Business and community leaders from Renton